For many patients, orthodontic treatment is only necessary for creating ideal smile aesthetics. If crooked teeth or crowding do not create immediate or obvious difficulties when eating or brushing, many are content without orthodontic intervention. But braces are also effective at creating better bite comfort when these issues do pose a problem with daily function.
At Laguna Palms Orthodontics, we provide patients with phased orthodontics and comprehensive care to not only ideal dental aesthetics but healthy teeth and bite alignment that enhances long term oral health. We have created this guide to explain the health benefits offered through orthodontic treatment.
Creating Space for Adult Teeth
Early orthodontic treatment generally begins at around the age of six, or when your child’s dentist has determined that they may need early intervention. Instead of correcting the existing alignment of the teeth and jaw, as these are still evolving at young ages, early orthodontic care focuses on proactively creating additional space in the jaw for the eventual growth of permanent adult teeth.
Palate expanders, space maintainers, space regainers, and other appliances prevent excessive crowding as adult teeth grow in and make regular oral hygiene more effective. This also minimized the need to remove teeth later in life to facilitate even alignment.
More Than Attractive Smiles
Straighter, properly aligned teeth are more than the groundwork of a healthy smile, they are necessary for effective at-home dental care. Braces a correct a wide range of alignment issues patients experience. From crowding to rotation, improper alignment makes food particles more likely to become trapped between teeth and makes brushing and flossing harder to perform and less effective. Straight teeth are less prone to trap food and allow contact with all surfaces of the teeth during regular brushing.
Proper Alignment for a Proper Bite
In addition to helping patients achieve ideal teeth alignment, orthodontics improve the alignment of the jaw itself. Occlusal issues such as crossbite, underbite, and overbite are not only unattractive but cause discomfort and uneven wear on the teeth. The Herbst appliance and headgear help to shift the jaw into ideal position so chewing is performed without breaking or grinding teeth, and without causing joint discomfort.
To learn more about the benefits of orthodontics outside of achieving a beautiful smile, contact Dr. Nimrat Heir and our team at Laguna Palms orthodontics today. We are committed to providing patients with treatment that helps them achieve aesthetic and healthy smiles that can last a lifetime.